Could you facilitate focus groups to help us understand more about loneliness?

Leading group activities volunteers needed for Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) in RG1

Over the Summer, Reading Voluntary Action conducted research into loneliness and social isolation in Reading. The research highlighted a range of needs and issues. We have decided to follow up this research with some focus groups to gain greater understanding into what the voluntary sector can do to address these issues.

In order to run the focus groups, we would like a team of focus group facilitators who will attend a half day training and then commit to running at least three 90 minute focus groups with some of our groups.

The focus groups will help us understand more about the needs of

People who are new to Reading

People with a disability

People with chronic ill health

People with mental ill-health.

We will arrange the focus group sessions and have a series of dates and times for you to choose from. Most focus groups will take place at Reading Central Library, but if we are working with a group from a specific organisation, they may run at their regular meeting place.

We are looking for people who are confident in leading groups and are able to make people feel at ease in speaking about issues that could be sensitive.

The training will be the second week of January. Date and time TBC soon.

There will be a half day training session that all volunteers must attend in order to participate.

Is support given?

Yes

Description of support

Focus groups will be run with a lead facilitator and a support facilitator. The support facilitator will help with refreshments, room set up, taking notes, time keeping and supporting the lead facilitator if they get stuck or aren't sure what to do or say.